Cat mentions now having a nodule in her pinkie. Is this common in DD? I have a nodule under the joint in my DD hand pinkie which is getting bigger. My GP says it is a ganglion. It's ironic how everything is happening on the same hand.

I discovered my DD at age 36 (now 41). I have had surgery on my right pinky (same as my Father) which I let get out of hand (no pun intended). Within 5 years, I know have "knuckle pads" on all 10 fingers and a large knot on my right palm about the size of a quarter. My hands ache daily and doing basic things like tying shoes, making beds, etc. have become very difficult. My doctor insists that I am not having any pain despite my pleadings. Does anyone else have a doctor who dismisses pain so readily?

Many people have reported significant pain in association with Dups diseased tissue. CHS are taught that this disease is not painful so naturally your MD assumes you are mistaken, even though it's your hand, not his. They are a magnificently confidant bunch and are rarely persuaded about anything regarding their specialty unless coming from another CHS. And then with difficulty.

The bottom line, however, is that there is nothing reliable that you can do to stop the pain.

I am 61; but have had DC for over 10 years. Most doctors will not believe I had it in my left hand; but I know I did. I tend to fall down a lot, and it seemed to snap and then clear up. Now it is in my right hand--ring finger--but wanting to include the middle finger. Falling down this time only made it worse and it went up to the knuckle. I started with plantar fascitus(sp??) way back in 1978. First one foot then the other. So, I have a strong tendency to get this thing. Also, half Hispanic half Northern European. I guess I have to blame this on the Viking half.

My father and 3 brothers have it. Apparently in Spain around 10% of people in their 50s and 30% of people over 75 have it. So much for the "viking theory". No risks of vikings in my family... from the mountains in Galicia where we haven't seen a boat for thousands of years. My desease started when I was 28... but I've got used to it... still can play the piano at 60. By the way... in Western Europe genes have moved from South to North not the other way around. Take a look: http://news.scotsman.com/scitech.cfm?id=1393742006